DCI(RN) 10 Introduction of the a New Warfare Branch specialisation

RESTRICTED
DCI RN 4 - 142004
Defence Council Instructions
<' "\
I
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE - 16 Janu
2004
10/04
RN10
Introduction of the a New Warfare Branch specialisation - OM(HM) (U)
[DINAVSEC/37411314; (9)380x28642]
Reference: RNTM 152/03 - Introduction of the New Warfare Branch Specialisation OM(HM)
Introduction
1. This DCI announces the creation of a new specialisation within the Warfare Branch (WB), namely the
Operator Mechanic (Hydrographic, Meteorological and Oceanographic) (OM(HM)). The new specialisation
will eventually subsume the capabilities of the current OM Survey Recorder (OM(SR» and Naval Airman
Meteorological & Oceanographic (NA (METOC» specialisations (henceforth known as the source
specialisations). However, it has been recognised that the source specialisations should co-exist alongside
the OM(HM) for some time to come, maintaining individuals' present career patterns and conditions of
service. The source specialisations are key in maintaining and delivering Operational Capability over the
coming years as the OM(HM) rating cadre grows. The first HM specialisation ratings will join HMS Ra/eigh
for Phase I training in March 2004, with their first experience of sea service in September 2004. Recruitment
into the source specialisations will cease from January 2004.
Background
2. The new OM(HM) specialisation has been created to reflect the evolving nature of environmental
support req1lired by the Command. Modern Expeditionary Warfare, with the emphasis on joint operations
needing a broader range of environmental advice, is already drav.,;ng SR and METOC skills together. The
use of Digital Technology and Information Systems will further increase in the future and, with some of the
skill sets of the source specialisations, will adapt and evolve accordingly. As the prime customer, FLEET
N7HM has drawn up a new set of skills which could be held by one individual. A Maritime Warfare School
(MWS) led Extraordinary Course Changes Working Group (ECCWG), and latterly an HM Implementation
Steering Group (HMlSG), have taken this work forward and developed the new specialisation, together
with the training solution based on the modified customer requirement. The new HM specialisation will
take time to grow through the rank structure but is expected to be fully integrated by 2014, by which time
new technology will be embedded into the Royal Navy. Source specialisations will continue to deliver
an important role, noting their long term employment will be more localised along their extant areas of
expertise; importantly their future is secure alongside the OM(HM) and they will be fundamental in the
delivery of overall HM Operational Capability as the new specialisation grows.
Way Ahead
3. HM ratings will be part of the Warfare Branch (WB), wearing the standard WB badge with the lettering
HM underneath. Recruitment will be by direct entry. MWS HM Training Group (HMTG) at HMS Drake
will conduct all professional Phase IT HM training and manage the HM training pipeline. Following Phase
IT training, the ratings will join the Fleet as OM(HM)2s to achieve their Operational Performance Statement
(OPS). These OM(HM)2 billets will be transferred from existing OM(SR)2 Scheme of Complement (SOC)
lines 1, with a modified Job Description (]D) reflecting the newly acquired meteorological observer
capability. The length of this First Sea Draft (FSD) will vary, typically 6- 12 months, to be followed by task
specific training delivered as a Targeted Employment Module (TEM) prior to their next job.
4. FLEET N7 has initiated a]D review of all current OM(SR)1 and NA(METOC) billets. In parallel with the
modification of these ]Ds, their respective SOC lines will be changed to OM(HM) 1 billets in three phases2,
in each instance with a second line of either OM(SR)l or NA(METOC). OM(HM)ls, with a short TEM in
most cases, will be capable of filling the entire range of current SR and METOC billets and therefore will
enjoy a much more flexible and varied career.
5. The framework for the Leading Operator Mechanic HM (LOM(HM» has been developed (including a
provisional OPS and a probable training solution) but further refinement is required. FLEET N7HM will be
reviewing all LOM(SR) and Leading Airmen METOC (LA(METOC)) billets over the next two years3 . This
Review will take account of the changing emphasis on environmental issues and the installation of new
technology. All billets will then change to LoM(HM)4, with a second SOC line stating either LOM(SR) or
LA(METOC). However, second and subsequent LOM drafts may stream the LOM either towards the role
of a forecaster or surveyor, with the recognised skills of LOM(SR)s and LA(METOC)s remaining fully
; A sma!J number of additional OM(HM)2 billets are being sourced from organic OM(W) sac lines.
3 Phase I - April 2004; Phase 2 - January 2005; Phase 3 - January 2006.
4 At least one year ill advance of the first OM(HM) being ready for promotion to LOM.
An illcremental sac progression is expected, similar to the OM(HM) I soe amendment.
17
-
RN 10
. .
f LOM(HM) are under development and being
. th·1S peTlo
. d . The tram mg
be a
employed dunng
. . packages ord
HMTG It is expected that th ere w~"
w
. , ·th all trammg conducte a t ·
d
d'
R
OM
steered by the L
eVlev., W]
I
t d b TEMs of variable length epen mg
generic LOM(HM) course of about four w~kS s~pp e~e~r~gra~hic skill sets respectively. A further
on the first LOM billet, reflecting meteoro ogle orft ~ t I If rr s with an Anti Submarine Warfare
oceanographic TE~ will be offered~o th~~ r~rn;gs draede by ~:q:ir~::nt but it is likely that only a small
capability. Completion of these TEwiJ] sw I ~ ~ ~r~M pipelines providing a potential mechanism for
number of the bTlghtest ratmgs
comp e e o ,
future Senior Upper Yardman extraction.
6. An abbreviated time line for new OM(HM) entrants is as follows:
- March 2004. Commence Phase I training at HMS Ra/eigh.
- May 2004. Commence Phase IT training, comprising two-week Sea~anship tr~g (HMS
Ra/eigh), 3-week Mechanic module (basic electrical safety, fault dIagnOSIs and key skIlls) (MWS
Collingwood), 8-week generic HM module (HMTG - HMS Drake), finally 2-week common FSD
training (Basic Sea Survival Course, Small Arms/ ShIp Protection Course).
- September 200-1. Join either the Ice Patrol Vessel or a Survey Vessel for FSD, when all their skills
will be consolidated by the platform, usmg a task book to ach1eve OPS as OM(HM)2.
- March 20OS. First OM(HM)2s should achieve OPS and be rated OM(HM) 1. They will then move
to HMl billets (completing a TEt'vI at HMTG as required) in either Hydrographic Survey Squadron
(HSS) pools or Typed Air Station (TAS) or Fleet Weather & Oceanographic Centre (FWOC).
- From April 2005. The ratings ".;u move among the OM(HM) 1 billets to build experience prior to
selection LOM(HM).
- April 2007. Commence LOM(HM) training pipeline (end of LA(METOC) / LOM(SR) training
pipelines).
7. The current LOM(SR) and LA(METOC) courses will continue in their present format and frequency
until April 2007, thereafter being replaced by the new LOM(HM) courses. In the event that Leading Hands
of either source specialisation have not completed their predetermined career courses in this rate, they will
be dovetailed onto the new courses in accordance with their original skill sets. The option to complete the
generic module will be determined by Service requirement and limited by resources at HMTG. This will
constitute the preferred way alJead, although it will not result in any rebadging of any such individuals
8. Initially, there is no requirement to cross-train those in the source specialisations and it is anticipated
this ".;u remain the situation.5Individuals employed in source specialisations will continue to enjoy their
current promotional aspirations and service conditions and their employment will be unaffected for at
least the first five years, probably longer, depending on their rate and seniority. Senior ratings will be
unaffected; the expectation is that junior ratings will progress within their source rate structures towards
higher rate. One of the key targets of the ECCWG and the HMISG was to remain retention positive; as
such, the ratings' tel ms and conditions of service (TCOS) will be preserved, thereby avoiding any negative
impact.
9. Whilst the ECCWG was tasked with developing a solution for junior ratings, it was recognised as
unpractical to consider this in isolation. One of the early conclusions (based on assumptions of current
tasking) is that a degree of specialisation is inevitable and most likely at the senior rate level. Whilst
only th~ junior rating billets will be changed to OM(HM) initially, new initiatives from the Equipment
Capability area ~re expected to increase HM employment at the senior rate level within ten years. Until
that time, the skills of the SOurce specialisations ".;u be essential to meet the needs of FLEET. It is likely
tha.t the ne.w Petty Officer (J:lM) ".;u need to bias towards experience in either meteorology or surveying if
he lS to build the skills reqUired for the Chief Petty Officer (HM) and Warrant Officer (HM) billets, strongly
sugges:mg that the new specialisation will develop along separate career paths at and above this level.
ThlS will allow the source specialisations secure employment and assist with retaining the essential deeper
skills in the medium term.
18
RN 10
OM(HM) Career Structure
10. Th~ caree~ strucru~ of the . OM(HM) wil~ be laid out in BR1066 Chapter 15 (Change 16 onwards).
In outlme, ratings will. Jom b) dIreCt entry mto the specialisation and be designated OM(HM)2 at the
comme~cement o~ theIr Phase I trarrung at HMS Rnleigh. Advancement to OM(HM)1 will follow on
co~plehon of th~u Task Books and a minimum of one year as an OM(HM)2. This will be around the
pen~d I~'hen theu FS~ I~ completed and they rerum to HMTG for additional TEM training, prior to
mO\ .mg mto more speclahsed areas of employment, including service at the TAS, returning to the HSS or
ser\'lce at ~OC Follow on drafts will then be part of larger TopMast pools which will also contain the
source speclalisatlOn. There will be no enforcement to ensure that each OM(HM) completes the extremes
of employment, with some individuals inel'itably gaining a limited degree of specialisation even at this
junior stage, whilst others receive a more balanced spectrum of employment. Importantly, however, at this
junior level, eAl'osure to a wide range of employment is less important with most of the tasks being under
some fom, of supen·ision.
11. In branch management terms, the new specialisation will see a steady migration of NA (METOC)
manpower from the current Fleet Air Arm plot into the General Arm of the WE. Such ratings are currently
managed by DNLM/BMXAV and drafted by CND/D3A. BMXAV s will continue to manage the diminishing
METOC plot and D3A will retain drafting responsibility although, in the case of Leading Hands, this
will be reviewed in 2007 with the advent of the LOM(HM). SR ratings, who are already part of the WE,
are managed by DNLM/BMXR and drafted by CND/DIA; these desks will continue to administer this
group together with the evolving OM(HM) plot. For coherence, DIA will assume NA(METOC) drafting
responsibility from April 2004, with D3A retaining an advisory function. One aspect of the multi-skilled
OM(HM) that will require careful consideration is the drafting process; this ,,>ill need to take account of
the developing skill mix (both professional HM and mechanical) and be more akin to appointing.
12. This is a forward looking initiative to develop a new specialisation for furure evolution, adding to the
respective skill sets of two well established specialisations. The framework has been developed based on
TopMast principles and will be adaptable to furure change in the WB. The OM(HM) will be more versatile
and employable in a far wider range of drafts than either of the source specialisations and will continue to
provide both generic and specific warfare support to FLEET across the whole enl'ironmental field.
Publications and Documentation
13. A copy of this DCI is to be kept inside the front cover of BRI066 until the next fOllnal amendment to
the publication.
19
RESTRICTED